A trip back in time to 1975 with five Hull Daily Mail headlines from 50 years ago
Residents and dignitaries looking forward to the completion of the Humber Bridge to end a "centuries-long era of isolation" for Hull, new and "modern" ticketing equipment at Paragon Station and two young lads setting their sights on making it big in the pop music industry were just some of the news stories featured in the Hull Daily Mail this time 50 years ago.
It's hard to comprehend just how much Hull and East Yorkshire has changed and developed since 1975 - a time when disco music, flared jeans and brown furniture was truly in its prime - and luckily, we have the newspapers of the day to look back on, giving us a vivid tour down memory lane.
We've dug deep into our archives and found issues of the Hull Daily Mail from this time half a century ago - and selected five news stories that provide a fascinating glimpse into what life was like in the area at the time.
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Humber span will be 'bridge of happiness'
"The Humber Bridge link will end an era of isolation for Hull which 'has lasted centuries', it was claimed last night. In one historic moment, it will be boosted into the future with opportunities for wealth and prosperity. The multi-million pound project will aid the area’s development more than any other single factor in the past.
"The picture of Hull living with its bridge was painted yesterday by the experts to the profession helping to put it on the map. Members of the North Humberside branch of the Yorkshire Association of the Institute of Civil Engineers were given a run-down of the bridge’s role in the future when they gathered at the Royal Station Hotel, Hull, for their annual dinner and dance.
"Management officials of companies and organisations responsible for the scheme were among the guests - and they heard how their work could change the face of Humberside both north and south. The engineers looked ahead to the time when the first vehicles would stream over the water.
"Hull’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Laurie Johnson explained: "You build it - we will make it work." He said bridging the Humber would go a long way to ending the feeling of isolation, and attract new industry."
'Modern' equipment replaces old ticket system at Paragon Station
"Modern equipment which has replaced the old ticket system at Hull’s Paragon Station is gradually getting into full swing and should be fully operational by the end the week. Mr Chris Green, British Rail’s area manager in Hull, tells me that Sunday, first day of the new system, went very well and staff had plenty of chance used the machines and no problems were caused.
"Yesterday there was some queuing in the early morning peak time for the Pullman. This aspect is going to be with us for a day or two until we get the machines working properly. "We apologise for delays expected over the next day or two," he added.
"The new automated cash register system involves four modern electronic machines, linked for date purposes to a central computer. It means that tickets for any destination in Great Britain can be issued."
Cousin of Led Zeppelin drummer sets his sights on becoming a pop star
"The ambition of a 14-year-old Beverley schoolboy is to be a star - and Mark Stockley intends to soar to No 1 in the pop charts. Mark, of Lowfield Road, and his 14-year-old friend Stephen Roberts, of Cedar Avenue, Cottingham, are looking round for other boys, aged between 12 and 15, to help them form a pop group.
"But Stephen, a pupil at Beverley's Longcroft School, has a shining example to live up to - his cousin is drummer with the Led Zeppelin group. He explained, "I want to become a pop star. I have thought of nothing else. We want about three other lads to join who can play guitar, organ or can sing. I play the drums. If we can get it started we will round the clubs."
"At the moment there is no name for the group, but Stephen has few suggestions in mind. His father, Mr Doug Stockley, said: "I would not like him to take it too seriously but it is one of those things, you do not know how good or bad they will be until they try.
"But of course, I would be proud if he did become a pop star.”
Beverley woman takes problem of flowers wilting in central heating into her own hands
"A Beverley woman has overcome the problem of flowers wilting in the central heating - she makes her own. For about 20 years Mrs Sylvia Ferguson, of Longcroft Park, Molescroft, has been making flowers from paper serviettes, wire dried foliage and feathers. Because of the cost of cut flowers and the effects of central heating there has been a boom in the interest in flower making and is in demand to give talks and demonstrations to women’s organisations and at evening classes in local colleges.
"There is great interest in flower arranging in this area and people are learning how to make flowers because of the cost of fresh ones. They make them to include in their arrangements,” she said. “The flowers last indefinitely and it is good therapy." Among the flowers she makes are tiger lilies, roses, rhododendrons, anemones, daffodils and carnations."
Hornsea Council warned of 2p rise in rates
"Hornsea ratepayers are faced with paying at least an extra 2p in the pound from next April. Councillors were told of the necessary increase, which will raise £12,000 when they considered provisional estimates last night. The 2p will be in addition to the district council's levy, which has yet to be announced, the council was told. A sub-committee of Hornsea councillors are to discuss the figures with the Chief Financial Officer of Holderness District Council."